“Good-bye consummate gentleman”

It was shockingly sad although he died at an honorable age, the departure of Christopher Lee at age 93 on June 7.

Everytime these big lions and myths of cinema needs to say good-bye to life, there is a profound sadness and there is the perception there is more poverty in term of talent in the cinema.

Johnny Depp so sad for the departure of his friend and companion of five movie-adventures wrote a felt statement for the sad occasion. His words:

“Sir Christopher Lee.

A wonderful man.

A profoundly kind, generous, warm and fascinating man.

The consummate gentleman.

He was an inspiration in both life and art.

In the time we spent together, I had the honor and good fortune of being welcomed into his illustrious proximity.

His friendship is one that I will always hold close and dear to my heart.”

At first the two worked together in the production Sleepy Hollow by Tim Burton. Johnny was playing the role of investigator Ichabod Crane while Christopher Lee was the Burgomaster. Later The Corpse Bride Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Dark Shadows.

When Johnny Depp appeared to be tired in 2013 and didn’t want to perform anymore.

Lee rook position. “It would be major loss for the movie industry” he declared.

He encouraged him to remaining.

“Johnny is a star, and that’s not a term I ever use lightly. There are not a lot of them around today. It makes me sad that such a genuinely talented person is considering giving it all up“.

Christopher Lee has been the horrible and evil Saruman in the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings. Many tributes of course from many artists/actors worked with him creating the stunning movie based on the book by Tolkien and directed by Peter Jackson.

Johnny Depp in 2013 giving to him a prize Depp presented him the BFI fellowship award and during the speech Johnny said:

“It’s a great honor to be here to bestow this prestigious award to a very great man. A very great man indeed”.

Johnny added Lee inspired him and fascinating him a lot.
“He is a special individual” added Johnny.
He also added he was a great fan of him since he was little.
The most important honor? To discover thanks to the privilege of working with him, his personality and to be able to “count him as a dear friend and someone who care about greatly”.
Johnny closed his speech remarking that Lee was a “Genuine artist and a national treasure for UK”. And for the world 🙂